County OKs $520 million budget with 4.9% tax hike

 Not even Leo, the new county K-9, elicits bark of protest By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times K-9 Leo waits for his turn in the spotlight at the county commissioners’ meeting with his handler, John DiBuonaventuro, a longtime first responder and Tredyffrin Township supervisor The Chester County Commissioners on Thursday approved a $520 million budget for 2013 – a blueprint that...

County poised to hike taxes for 1st time in 5 years

Increase is needed to maintain valued services, commissioners said By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Ryan Costello (from left), Terence Farrell and Kathi Cozzone said a tax hike is needed to continue county services that residents value. The Chester County Commissioners held a meeting Tuesday night to elicit comment on the preliminary 2013 budget. Even though the...

Tourism center’s historic renovation celebrated

Former meetinghouse once served as  hub for abolitionists By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Alicia Lyons (from left) and Mary Beth Tryens enthusiastically tout the award-winning wines of the nearby Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery. Community leaders took a step back in time Wednesday as they celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Brandywine Valley Tourism Information...

County chosen for human-services funding program

Selection will provide flexibility in allocating resources, officials said County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone (from left), Terence Farell, and Ryan Costello applaud the county’s selection for a state block-grant program. Chester County was one of 20 counties selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare to participate in the Human Services Block Grant program, county officials said...